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Local and regional authorities play a role in promoting sustainable consumption patterns

Local and regional authorities play a role in promoting sustainable consumption patterns
[12/03/2008]

Over-consumption in the developed countries and the same tendency observed in the emerging countries are leading to the depletion of natural resources and causing serious damage to the environment. The Congress believes that all levels of governance have a key role to play in changing individual and collective patterns of consumption. Where local and regional authorities are concerned, the emphasis should be put on exemplary and efficient management in all their areas of responsibility (transport, buildings, school canteens etc) and action to increase public awareness of responsible consumption. At central government level, measures to be taken include the adoption of the ''polluter pays'' principle and more stringent environmental protection standards.
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